Chapter 5-Masquerade
It took several weeks of meticulously researching famous medieval couples before I decided on Tristan and Iseult. I absolutely adore the story-line because it’s tragic, just like my non-existent love life. With that being said, I obviously don’t have the other half of my couple. Jett volunteered several times, insistent upon being Iseult, but I declined. I’d rather go stag than have to dress up like a guy at my own birthday party.
I chose a form fitting, navy blue, short sleeve velvet dress with silver lace trim on the hem and a v-neck line in the back. There was a luxurious satin lining on the underside that felt smooth against my skin. The mask, which my mom had handmade, consists of a silver and white base with glittery stars all over it and two white feathers near the top left corner. I chose the long stick to hold it up instead of that gaudy stretchy material since it will indefinitely ruin my hair.
I looked over at the clock, 5:00 p.m., time to put the finishing touches on my outfit and make my grand entrance. I dabbed on some of my favorite perfume, Heavenly by Victoria Secret, and headed to the mirror to give myself one last look before I made my debut. Several curls had come loose so I clipped them back into place, adjusted the entwined silver and white ribbon, and then sprayed them with glitter. I felt like a princess, something straight out of Cinderella. I was focused on myself so intensely that I had almost failed to notice the pale figure staring back at me in my reflection.
It was that some guy from before, except this time he looked more like a ghost and less like a fuzzy TV screen. He didn’t fade in and out anymore making his image constant, yet eerily hollow. I took in his appearance as best I could. Short hair that was smoothed back and spiked, jeans, a pocket t-shirt and a pair of shoes that resembled vans, I couldn’t tell what color anything was because he was all grayish-white. He noticed me sizing him up and smiled. He bowed low to the ground and I could feel my face burning with mortification. I hoped he couldn’t tell. I wonder how long he’d been standing there. Maybe while I was getting dressed? How embarrassing. I turned around, deciding the best course of action would be to confront him, just to see the tail end of his figure heading out the door.
“Wait,” I called after him disappointed. But it was too late. He was gone, again. I can’t fathom why I seem to find him so fascinating and frustrating at the same time.
I stumbled towards the bedroom door and down the long flight of stairs to where the party was starting, just trying to find a trace of him. As soon as I touched the bottom step everything else that had just occupied my thoughts disappeared. I’m awestruck by the glamorous decorations surrounding me. The theme seemed to be deep elegance and was adorned in black, silver, and white colors. There were more than two dozen circular tables draped in black gossamer, each one containing a centerpiece made up of a crystal vase with freshly cut white lilies and a silver bow. The tables were meticulously scattered with silver confetti stars and vanilla tea lights. Dozens upon dozens of sparkling star cut-outs dangled from the ceiling.
Off to the side there was a long buffet table overflowing with finger foods and another one that was covered in gifts. The room had been completely draped off with black velvet curtains to make it dark and a disco ball placed in the middle to give off some light. If I had wanted a party, which I didn’t, this is exactly how I would’ve imagined it. I’m so engrossed in thought that I fail to notice Zilla sneaking up behind me.
“Well, what do you think?” she asked reaching around and giving me a bear hug.
“I love it,” I said squeezing her hand. I had been skeptical at first, but this was so magnificent that it was beyond words.
“The colors were Alyssa and Jett’s idea. You know I would have gone with something brighter.” By brighter she means pink, the kind that has you reminiscing about a newly opened pack of Bubbalicious bubble gum.
“Well, I love it either way.”
“Listen, I want to give you your birthday present before the party starts,” she said pulling me over towards a chair. “Sit down.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything Zilla, just being friends with you is enough.”
She ignored my comment and handed me a cedar box with delicate butterflies whittled on it. I opened it carefully, the hinges making a small creaking sound, to reveal two matching anklets. Garnet and mystic fire gemstones interlocked on a white gold chain with a seahorse shaped charm delicately hanging in the middle. They were mesmerizing. I smoothed the charm through my fingers, turning it over gently to see that it was engraved on the front “Our bond can never be broken” and on the back “Sister’s forever friends for life Z&C.”
“They’re beautiful,” I said struggling through tears, throwing my arms around her and hugging tightly. “Thank you.”
“I know that you don’t usually sport jewelry, but I just thought you needed something to match that ring you always wear. Plus, we’ve been best friends for somewhere near eight years now and we should show that off somehow. This seemed like the best idea.”
I twisted my ring instinctively. She was right; I never did take it off. It was something my mother had given to me when I was a little girl that she said came from my grandmother. Apparently, both of my grandparents had passed away before I had a chance to get to know them. Having an item that they used to own somehow granted me the strength and serenity I needed to overcome the problems plaguing my life. Or at least try anyway. This thoughtful gift was something I knew I would now treasure with equal intensity. “One for you and one for me,” I said taking them out.
I decided to put mine on first. I slipped it around my ankle, clasped it together and almost immediately felt some sort of powerful energy surge through my body, then fade. I think Zilla knew something was up by the cock-eyed expression I wore, but she didn’t bother to ask. I wondered if the same thing would happen to her, or if this was just another piece to add to the collection of oddities that had been my life these past few weeks. I handed her the other one and watched carefully for any similar reaction. As soon as I caught her sudden intake of breath, I wanted to rip the anklet back off. Anything that could cause us both to experience something like that could only be bad, right?
“Did you feel that?” I asked eyeing her cautiously.
“That weird adrenaline rush?” she said avoiding my gaze. Either she was guilty of who knows what or as creeped out as me. It was too soon to tell.
“Exactly,” I said reaching down and rubbing the bauble between my thumb and index finger.
She pondered for a moment and then giggled, “I felt something, but I’m sure it’s just the punch. I spiked it.”
Classic Zilla, I thought shaking my head. If I hadn’t been so excited to start the party and find my mystery ghost, I would have remembered that I had yet to have any punch.
“So, where did you get them?” I asked curiously. The mystic fire ensnared some light reflecting from the disco ball and bounced it back up to me. It caught my gaze and held it.
“Well, the other day Locke and I were walking around the shops by the beach and I happened across a new store called Gypsy Cravings. They had tons of really interesting items on display so I went in to get a closer look at what all they had for sale. When I couldn’t find anything we decided to leave and just as we reached the door, a woman popped up from behind the counter. I practically peed myself she scared me so bad.” We both laughed and I urged her to continue.
“Anyway, she stopped us and told me she had something special to show me. I got nervous at first, but then she pulled out this exquisite box with both anklets in it and I knew they were perfect for us. So I had her engrave them to make sure they were extra special for your birthday.”
Something about this situation felt off to me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. “Did she mention her name by chance?”
“I think she said it was Alise, but I can’t be certain. She mumbled under her breath most of the time.”
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I had expected the name to ring some sort of bell for me, but it didn't. “I’ll have to check that place out. It sounds interesting. Regardless, thank you so much for the gift. I’ll cherish it forever.” I hugged her tightly and got up to go make my rounds.
During the course of my interaction with Zilla, about a hundred people had appeared out of nowhere. How did I not notice? And for that matter, how come nobody had interrupted us yet? I scanned the crowd looking for familiar faces in a sea of strangers when I noticed Alyssa and Jett standing off to one side of the room, whispering intensely. I made my way over there, politely pushing people out of my way as I progressed.
Alyssa was decked out as Juliet in a stunning white and silver flowing gown, a golden blonde wig that hung just past her neck, and a sparkling pair of stilettos. As she held a pale cerulean and gold mask discreetly up to her face I had to do a double-take. She looked like a completely different person. I tore my gaze away to check out Jett who was equally as amazing dressed as Romeo. They both looked marvelous, but the appalled expression on their faces worried me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked glancing back and forth between the two of them.
“Well look at you,” Alyssa said changing the subject and twirling me around. “You look exquisite.”
“Sure do,” Jett chimed in.
I knew they had my best interest at heart, but they were clearly trying to hide something from me. “Thanks. But seriously, what's the deal? Is everything alright?”
“I hate to burst your birthday bubble girlfriend, but did you know Luke was here?” Jett asked breaking the silence.
“Nope, sure didn’t,” I said nonchalantly. I wasn’t going to let the likes of him ruin my party. If he wanted to show up uninvited, so be it.
“Well, I think you better go find him and take a look,” Alyssa said grimacing.
“Why? What’s the big deal? So he crashed my party. It’s not like I care, just as long as he keeps his distance anyway.”
“It’s a little more complicated than that,” Jett said turning me around.
“Look,” Alyssa said pointing off to the right.
I glanced over in that general direction, skipping over a bunch of unrecognizable faces and landing on one in particular that made my eyes about bulge out of my head. Luke was speaking animatedly amidst a crowd of about ten or so people, but that wasn’t what caught my attention. It was the fact that he was a little too conveniently dressed as Tristan, my match. He had on a white undershirt, a tunic made of crushed blue velvet, trimmed white satin sleeves, and brown fur. He had an accompanying black velvet cape with navy satin lining, light-weight pants, a matching velvet hat with a feather accent and boots.
He did look handsome, but he wasn’t someone I could stomach anymore. I wouldn’t put myself through that again. As if sensing my visual inspection of him, he made eye contact and smiled. I frowned and internally stamped my feet, wishing I could scream obscenities at him.
“Oh for the love, what does he think he’s doing? I told him it was over and I meant it. And just who told him what I was going to be wearing anyway?” I asked beginning to pace back and forth.
They both tried to look away, but Alyssa said, “I think Zilla may have slipped before the breakup.”
I nodded and my face instantly turned red. “This majorly sucks. People are going to think we are still dating. Guess I’ll just have to go put a stop to his nonsense and send him packing.”
“Looks like you won’t have to wait long, he’s already on his way over here,” Jett said trying to sound calm.
“Scatter. No wait, I might need you for back-up.”
Jett gasped and caught my attention. “Callie, I think we may have some even bigger problems.” Jett spun me around to face the front door just in time to see Cole sauntering in dressed as Tristan.
“Tristan must be a very popular guy,” Alyssa said snickering. “Seeing as how you have two now, maybe I should go and get me one.”
“Not funny,” I said nudging Alyssa. “What am I going to do guys? Where is Zilla? She would know where to go from here.” I looked around for her, but she was lost in the massive throng of people. I was going to have to do this on my own. “I got it! What if I just pretend that I’m dating Cole again to get Luke to go away? I mean, he is dressed as Tristan after all, so it would seem like we planned it,” I said trying not to have a mini panic attack.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Alyssa replied with more than a hint of skepticism. “Cole might not like that you’re using him for a second time.”
“Unless you can think of something quickly, I don’t have any other options,” I said frustrated. “I’m going for it.”
I sprinted towards Cole, narrowly avoiding Luke, and embraced him. Leaning up towards his ear I whispered desperately, “Play along, please.”
He enveloped me in his arms and murmured back, “You owe me. Big time.” He released me gently, a cocky smile on his face as he slid his hand into mine. A second later Luke slithered past a group of people who had unintentionally barred his way and came to stand before us.
“Callie,” Luke said grimacing at Cole, “you look stunning.”
“What are you doing here, Luke?” I asked keeping my voice down in hopes nobody would overhear us.
“You know why I’m here. Although, I see you’re trying to replace me,” he replied hotly. “If you remember correctly, I’m your boyfriend and your date. Plus, I have no intention of giving up so you might as well appease me. Dance with me?” he asked extending his hand out towards mine, palm up.
Cole pulled me in closer to him with a menacing expression on his face. This, however, did not seem to affect Luke in the slightest. If anything it only made him more persistent.
While the two of them were having a staring match, I glanced briefly at the spot where I had smacked Luke and noticed that it was still a slight pink color. I couldn’t believe it was still there. I felt so guilty. Snap out of it, I thought. This is the guy who has done nothing but torture you since he tricked you into dating him. Standing tall, I stared straight into his eyes and said, “No. I don’t want to dance with you. And what I remember clearly is you playing tonsil hockey with Joanne at school. Oh, and then there was me slapping you and telling you it was over, for good.”
Cole stepped in front of me when people started to stare and said calmly, “The lady has spoken, so I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“I don’t know who you think you are buddy, but I don’t take orders from you,” Luke shouted while pushing Cole aside. “Listen, babe; just let me explain.”
Before Cole had a chance to retaliate, I stepped forward and began repeatedly poking him in the chest. “Don’t you dare call me babe. You lost that right when I broke up with you. You need to leave my party immediately, or I will have you thrown out.”
“I’m not leaving,” he replied fiercely, his gaze intensifying.
“I think you better listen to Callie,” Alyssa said coming up from behind.
“No, I’m not going to do it,” he said defiantly. “We have a conversation to finish and I’m not leaving until it happens.”
“The only conversation were going to have is the one where you talk to the back of my hand again,” I yelled not caring who overheard us now.
“What’s going on?” Zilla asked appearing out of nowhere and sliding in between us. I never heard her approach, but I suppose that’s because I was so engrossed in my current problem. She gave me the most approving look when she saw Cole holding my hand and I hoped nobody else had noticed.
“Luke here thinks it’s funny to crash my birthday party,” I replied trying to stay calm.
“I’m not trying to…,” but he was cut off by Zilla. “Would you like him to exit the premises?”
“Absolutely, nothing would make me happier.”
“Well then, it would be my pleasure,” she replied. “Luke, may I have
a word with you privately,” she said her hand gesturing for him to follow her. He looked back at me as he trailed behind Zilla and disappeared out of sight. I knew he was heartbroken that I had rejected him, but he had just attempted to humiliate me at my own party. Something I wouldn’t stand for.
Relieved, I turned to Alyssa and Jett, “Guys, can I have a few with Cole?”
“Yep, no problem,” they replied. Alyssa gave me a not so innocent wink as they made their way to the dance floor.
“Thank you,” I said trying not to make eye contact. “I know I don’t deserve it after what happened the other day, but I really do appreciate your help.”
“My pleasure,” he replied.
“What are you doing here anyway?” I said fumbling for words. “Not that I mind, I’m actually kind of glad you’re here. Oh, and nice outfit by the way, how did you come to pick that out of the hat?”
He cocked an eyebrow as if he was trying to figure me out and smirked. “Well, after you left Destiny’s, Zilla came to talk to me and handed me an invitation. She said that you needed a distraction and that since there was an obvious connection between us, I should definitely go for it. After that lusty kiss we shared, I was only too happy to oblige.”
I blushed. I didn’t have time to question him anymore because I caught a glimpse of Luke storming out of the house as Zilla padded her way back over to us with a triumphant smile on her face.
“How did you get him to leave cooperatively?” I asked stunned.
“It was easy since I just have a way with words you know. I threatened to have Locke and all of his football friends go after him. Easy peasy,” she giggled. I found myself following her lead. “Now, how about we go blow out some candles and open gifts?” she asked guiding us towards the head of the cake table.
“Sounds like fun,” I said trying to tone down the sarcasm. The last thing I wanted was to become the center of attention again and panic when people started singing to me. If I had it my way I’d rather not have had a party at all and just let people post Mitchell Davis’ Happy Birthday YouTube video on my Facebook wall. Not only is it hilarious, but it’s definitely not awkward.
As Zilla dragged me along, I tried to tune out everyone around me and focus on Cole who was staying attentively at my side. What was this thing going on between us? One minute he was driving me insane with his insulting remarks and the next he was doing subtly sweet things. Like showing up at my party and defending my honor. The look on his face when he interacted with Luke was more than just acting. The only thing I knew for sure was that I enjoyed the way his fingers were currently entwined with mine.
I heard my mother call out for me and quickened my pace. This might be my party, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t come running when she wanted me. Cole let go of my hand and stood off to the side. I don’t know what I had expected from her, a pat on the back or a small smile, just something to acknowledge me without actually touching me. Much to my surprise, she reached out her hand, pulled me in close, and whispered, “You look beautiful.” I fought back the urge to cry. A compliment from my mother was a gesture I would not take lightly. “Are you ready?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” I said beaming.
The room quieted down as my mom counted to three and starting singing the “Happy Birthday” song. More and more people chimed in as my dad appeared out of nowhere carrying the loveliest cake. It was decorated in several shades of black and white, a topsy turvy shape with three decadent layers of marble cake and custard filling. It was accented with silver stars and a mask identical to the one I held in my right hand sat delicately on the top layer. There was only one candle emitting thousands of twinkling sparks. It captivated my gaze and held it until the last line of the song had been sung.
“Make a wish,” my mom said squeezing my shoulders. I closed my eyes and blew it out, taking a few extra seconds to bask in the love of my friends and family before opening my eyes again. Everyone started clapping and the DJ began to play a slow song. People drifted away, one by one until I was left alone with Cole to cut the cake. I grabbed the knife and started doling out slices, but hadn’t gotten very far when he interrupted.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked, kissing the top of my hand delicately.
His touch sent shivers down my spine as butterflies fluttered through my stomach. I couldn’t help but feel nauseous. “Sure,” I replied shyly, “but I’m warning you ahead of time, I kind of suck. I’ll probably just step all over you.”
He laughed and guided us out onto the dance floor, pulling me in close to him. I was nervous at first, but he seemed to be a pro so I followed his lead. He put one of my hands around his neck, the other on his chest, and then he placed both of his near my waist. I relaxed into him and rested my head on his shoulder as he began to turn us around in a circular motion. His fingers trailed down the length of my arm to my wrist as he lifted it off to the side where his fingertips brushed sensually across my tattoo, causing me to shudder involuntarily.
He leaned in, his lips lightly making contact with my cheek then slipping lower and lower until he reached the hollow of my neck. “It’s beautiful,” he said between warm, soft kisses.
“Thanks,” I replied, unsure what exactly he was referring to. I could only guess he meant the tattoo, but in my opinion it wasn’t all that glamorous. Sure it was pretty, but it was just a symbol of where I came from, a coat of arms so to speak.
He nuzzled his head farther in, dropping a hand to the small of my back and closing the gap between us. My body to respond with equal intensity. As we enjoyed the feel of each other I lost sense of where one of us ended and the other began. It was if we’d become one. It was new and welcoming so I reveled in it, not caring who might be watching. I was so caught up in the moment that when I felt a cool stinging sensation on my neck, it startled me and caused me to jerk backwards. I reached up to touch the sore spot still looking at him when I noticed he had tensed up. His eyes darted around the room and he seemed to fold in on himself.
“What the hell was that?” I asked staring him down.
“What was what?” he replied his tone changing to one of disinterest.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. One minute you’re kissing me and the next my neck feels like fire ants swarmed me.” I wanted to run away from him, find a nice corner to hide in with a cold compress to ease some of the pain.
“I don’t know what you mean,” he said trying to sound innocent.
“Did you bite me or something?”
He looked flabbergasted. “Are you serious? Why would I do something like that?” He brushed some stray strands of hair from my shoulder. “Do you have a mirror?” he asked. Come to think of it, I did. I managed to stow away a compact in my bra right before the party. I reached in, pulled it out and held it up. I gently stroked the spot where the pain originated, but there was nothing there. I felt like such a fool standing here accusing him of something so insane. This was just another check I could add to the list of weird things happening to me.
“I’m sorry,” I said trying to get close to him again. But for every inch I gained, two more took its place as he backed away. “Is everything okay?” I asked trying not to sound upset, but the farther away he got the more distraught I became. I had acted like such a child and now he probably wouldn’t want to deal with me anymore.
“It’s fine,” he replied sharply. “I have to go now.” He leaned forward and placed a light peck on my forehead. “I will see you again soon.”
Without another word he turned and retreated out the front door leaving me standing there in shock. His last words spun around in my head, “I will see you again soon.” But would I really? I didn’t think so. I had probably chased him away for good and now I was alone again. Distraught, I headed back over to the cake table and started stuffing my face. Whoever said the only way to cure a broken heart is through junk food was a genius. I felt a dull
throbbing in my head and sat down for a minute to rest. It was probably from all the dancing and stress of the night. I decided to run upstairs and grab some Tylenol before things got too dicey.
I took another big bite of cake, the custard bursting in my mouth and sending my taste buds into overdrive as I dragged myself away from the table and slipped upstairs as quietly as I could so as not to be seen. I didn’t want anyone to miss me while I was gone. At the top step I heard a loud smack and my pulse quickened. The noises grew thunderous and more distinct as I inched closer. Heavy breathing, fists colliding and almost assuredly stuff getting broken. I checked each room as I crawled at a snail’s pace down the hallway and a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. It had to be my room; it was the only one left.
I tiptoed to the door and peeked around the corner just in time to see the crystal vase my father left on my desk this morning with fresh pink tulips hit the wall nearest the bathroom, shattering into a million pieces. I wanted to shout at whoever it was, but when I finally recognized their faces all I could do was stand frozen in place.
The mysterious ghost from before was dodging a swipe from the grotesque creature that cut my leg. I reached down instinctively to that spot, as if that would protect me, and continued to watch in fear as the battle ensued. The creature’s claws were long and sharp, reminding me a bit of Wolverine, except that they seemed to be made of gold. The ghost ducked and rolled up to the left, narrowly avoiding a blow to the head. I wondered if it would even touch him or would it just go right through him?
They were circling each other now, the ghost gaining ground on the creature and cornering him. He reached into the folds of his shirt and pulled out something that gleamed in the dim light. I leaned in a little farther to try and get a better look at what it might be, when I lost my balance. I landed forward on my hands and knees with a crash, my dress billowing out around me. I looked up just in time to catch both of their eyes. The creature jumped up, beating its wings rapidly to raise it into the air and then like at the Halloween dance, dive-bombed me.
Instead of doing the smart thing and rolling out of the way, I tried to cover my face with one arm as it hit me square in the chest. The full force of its impact sent me to flying backwards into the wall behind me. I whacked my head along the way and something warm began to trickle down the side of my face. The creature inched closer licking its lips and the last thing I remember before blacking out were two purple eyes and a set of teeth that made me wish I’d never wake up again.
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